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New California Laws For 2020

Icons courtesy of Font Awesome
 

Icons courtesy of Font Awesome

Every year hundreds of new California laws take effect Jan. 1. Many of them won't have much effect on your daily life. Here's a closer look at some that might in 2020.

We'll be posting more stories throughout December, so check back to learn more about the impacts of each law.

View past years: 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015

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Stories related to: New California Laws 2020

Rich Pedroncelli / AP Photo

Health Care

Regardless of Immigration Status, All Low-Income Californians Up to Age 26 Can Now Sign Up for Medi-Cal

January 6, 2020 | Sammy Caiola

California is the first state to offer Medicaid benefits to undocumented young adults. The policy change took effect Jan. 1, 2020.

AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli

State Government

New California Laws Will Make It Easier To Build Granny Flats

January 3, 2020 | Chris Nichols

One new law that goes into effect this month reduces fees local governments charge to build these small homes, also called accessory dwelling units or ADUs. Another speeds up the approval process.

AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli

State Government

What You Need To Know About California’s New Domestic Partnership Law

December 26, 2019 | Sammy Caiola

All Californians will be eligible for domestic partnerships as an alternative to marriage beginning in January 2020. This option was previously reserved for same-sex couples, and opposite-sex couples over age 62.

Andrew Nixon / Capital Public Radio

State Government

Nearly All Employees In California Will Receive Sexual Harassment Prevention Training In 2021 Under New Law

December 24, 2019 | Scott Rodd

The law grew out of the Me Too and We Said Enough movements, which sparked a flurry of legislation to address sexual misconduct.

Kathleen Ronayne / AP Photo

State Government

California Will Ban Hair Discrimination Starting In 2020

December 24, 2019 | Sammy Caiola

A new California law forbids schools and workplaces from discriminating against students, workers or job applicants based on hairstyles historically associated with race.

Rich Pedroncelli / AP Photo

State Government

Companies Like Uber, Facebook Say They Won't Need To Adjust To New California Laws

December 24, 2019 | Ben Adler

As California seeks to crack down on worker misclassification, predatory lending and consumer data privacy, some companies are fighting back — by flat-out refusing to comply with new laws that they say don’t apply to them.

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AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli

State Government

Kids Under 12 Can No Longer Be Sent To Juvenile Hall For Most Crimes Starting In 2020

December 20, 2019 | Steve Milne

California has no minimum age for sending children to juvenile hall. But that's about to change under a new law taking effect in 2020.

AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli

State Government

California Landlords Can't Reject Tenants Solely For Using Vouchers Starting In 2020

December 18, 2019 | Chris Nichols

Landlords will not be forced to rent to federal voucher holders, under the program formerly known as Section 8. They will still be able to use credit and background checks when deciding on rental applications.

Ezra David Romero / Capital Public Radio

Environment

You Could Get Fined $25 If You Smoke At A California State Beach Or Park Starting In 2020

December 18, 2019 | Ezra David Romero

California decided in 2019 to make smoking and vaping on public land a bit tougher.

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Marcio Jose Sanchez / AP Photo

Health Care

Mental Health Care Could Get Easier for New Moms Under New California Rules

December 18, 2019 | Sammy Caiola

A new California law could help women receive consistent services even if their mental health provider leaves their insurance network. And a budget bill effective Jan. 1 allows mothers on Medi-Cal to access mental health services for longer.

 
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Election 2020: Latest Results And Updates

See all of CapRadio's coverage of the 2020 Election, including our guide to voting, explainers for all 12 statewide ballot measures and fact-checks on election misinformation.

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    Related Content

  • A Deep Dive Into Some Of California’s New Laws
    Thursday, January 9, 2020

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